Analysis of Anis Ben Slimane in Coventry 0-1 Norwich City

Fast forward seven days, and he was celebrating his first win as a Canaries player after completing a deadline-day loan with the option to move from the Blades permanently upon certain conditions being met.

It is a reminder, if needed, of how quickly life in football can change. 

Few inside NR1 would have given him more than a cursory glance as he entered the pitch with 20 minutes of the game to play last weekend, let alone know they would be celebrating with him wearing yellow and green in a bouncing away end just seven days later.  

Slimane's existing relationship with Johannes Hoff Thorup plus the City boss' identification of a hole that can be filled by the Tunisia international helped grease the wheels on a transfer that left Chris Wilder raging and Norwich delighted. 

The Blades boss didn't see Slimane making an impact at Bramall Lane in a number eight midfield position. That judgment is not one shared by Thorup, who believes the 23-year-old's physicality offers his side a different type of player in their midfield mix. 

His arrival came with few complimentary reviews from those in Sheffield but with positive words from his former colleagues in Brondby. 

With that context, he required a bright start in yellow and green to set the narrative. When he replaced Amankwah Forson at half-time during the clash with Coventry, he would have done well to concoct a better start in his imagination. 

Slimane arrives at Norwich City with a knowledge of Johannes Hoff Thorup's demands. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Throughout the first half, Thorup was continually calling Slimane and Oscar Schwartau over and gesturing to the areas in the game they would impact when unleashed at the CBS Arena. 

Norwich's concessions in critical areas were proving costly to their attacking opportunities, but equally damaging was the permission it granted Coventry to attack them in transition. It squandered any degree of control in the contest that they had created in the first half. 

Enter Slimane and Schwartau. Suddenly, Norwich's midfield contained a better balance and further composure. 

The Sheffield United loanee added a much-needed injection of aggression, power, and technical proficiency, enabling Norwich to grab the contest by the scruff of the neck and assert control in a dominant 25-minute spell after the break. 

Instead of the erratic and slightly manic contest that unfolded in the opening half, Slimane's introduction allowed Norwich to suffocate the game in Coventry's half while making better use of the ball in the way Thorup demands. 

In the first half, City had just 49pc of the ball. In the second, that rose to 64pc, such was the way their grip on the contest tightened upon the changes Thorup made at half-time and Slimane's contribution during his cameo. 

Slimane's six recoveries helped City add a bite to their midfield that had been lacking during the first half. Whilst his passing wasn't perfect, that decision-making of when to take a risk compared to when to retain possession was pivotal to their spells of prolonged possession. 

In just 45 minutes, Slimane had more touches than five of City's starters. Only Kenny McLean and Jack Stacey made more tackles. It was an impressive cameo. 

The on-loan Sheffield United midfielder added a presence to Norwich City's midfield. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Perhaps the standout moment was Slimane's ability to spot a developing attack from Coventry late on. With Norwich in transition, Ephron Mason-Clark was surging up the pitch with the ball. City's midfielder read the situation and committed a foul to halt the momentum, taking a yellow card for his team-mates. 

His presence was telling. Slimane is a more physical option in City's midfield mix, but that doesn't come to the detriment of any technical proficiency Thorup demands. 

Given Thorup is still in the transitional stage of his spell as City boss, having players familiar with his system, even if they've never operated within it before, is critical to help speed up progress. 

Both Slimane and Schwartau looked comfortable in their respective roles whilst injecting a level of composure and game intelligence that gifted the Canaries greater control of the contest in the first half of the second period. 

Slimane arrived at City with little fanfare and less than glowing reviews from Sheffield United supporters. 

But there is mitigation that needs to be wrapped around his time at Bramall Lane. Slimane was signed from Denmark for the Premier League. He played 15 times, starting just four times, for a team that recorded 16 points and three wins in the top flight. 

Underneath is a glowing CV that possesses World Cup, Europa League and Superliga experience alongside 30 international appearances. He is a Danish champion as well. Slimane has proven his ability throughout his career. 

The man himself saw the possibility of unlocking that under Thorup at Carrow Road. Norwich themselves are the beneficiaries of a year of learning and adaptation after making the move to England. 

Anis Ben Slimane was Norwich City's first choice for midfield. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

He was City's first choice, hence why they opted not to press ahead with a deal to sign Real Madrid's Reinier on loan despite having the finances to do so. His ability as a more conventional eight was the reason he became their priority target. 

For all the chatter about the technical requirement to play in Thorup's system, and that is certainly a required characteristic, Slimane shows that game intelligence is just as pivotal. Even after one outing, already it feels like the Tunisia international will have a role to play. 

VERDICT: An impressive debut for City from Slimane, who made his presence felt and impacted the game positively. Part of a double substitution that gave the Canaries an edge in the contest/ Physical profile gave Norwich a different profile in midfield. 

RATING: 7 out of 10